Pregnant Woman's Miraculous Survival After Fetus Stolen in Violent Attack

In October 2025, Ellie Wilkins, now 37 years old, is opening up about her life and recovery since a brutal attack in 2015 that left her fetus cut from her womb. At the time, the then-26-year-old Wilkins was seven months pregnant when she arrived at Dynel Lane's home in Longmont, Colorado, planning to pick up some maternity clothes. Instead, Lane ambushed Wilkins, setting off a violent struggle that left her unconscious and her fetus, named Aurora, tragically killed.

Despite losing over 40% of her blood, Wilkins miraculously survived the attack. She spent five days in intensive care and later testified against Lane, who was convicted and sentenced to 100 years in prison. In the years since, Wilkins has worked to heal, both physically and emotionally. She has found love again with Antonio Bartalesi, a 41-year-old software developer, and the two hope to move in together and start a family.

Wilkins has also channeled her energy into helping others, working with the Colorado First Response Coalition to support emergency responders and at a substance abuse prevention nonprofit. She has returned to her passions like pottery, hiking, and cooking, and has begun writing a memoir to share her story of healing. Wilkins says she is "grateful for the gift of my life and the beauty that is my life now," despite the trauma she endured.